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Great Barrier Turtle Conservation

Support injured turtles and care about them.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:

Singles

Couples

Families

Groups

50+

The program

This turtle conservation program plays an essential role in protecting and preserving the amazing sea turtle. Located on stunning Fitzroy Island, a 45 minute fast-ferry ride from Cairns, the Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre Love Volunteer’s supports treats injured and sick marine turtles who have been brought in from the Great Barrier Reef and nearby Cape York Peninsula. Animals are brought in suffering from disease and/or injuries caused by boats, discarded fishing gear or ingested plastic that they have mistaken as food. Many of the turtles brought in from the Great Barrier Reef are suffering from 'floaters disease' which causes air to be trapped between the shell and body impacting the animal’s ability to dive and feed itself. On this project volunteers not only get hands-on experience in helping turtles in need, they will meet new people from around the world and will create an enriching experience for themselves.

Goals of this Project:

Protect Australia’s amazing sea turtles

Research these wonderful creatures so a greater understanding of how to save them can be gained

Work on projects to improve the environment for sea turtles and other animals

Enable inter-cultural exchange between all parties and teach international visitors more about environmental practices and Australia

How you can help

Volunteers on this project play an essential role in the care of the turtles and their contribution is invaluable. Care for the animals is required 365 days a year and each day the turtles are fed, the tanks are cleaned and medication administered when required. Volunteers help in numerous ways dependent on their skills. From working with the indigenous rangers, to hands on caring for the turtles by scrubbing their backs and feeding them, this is a truly hands on turtle conservation project. For those with skills in areas such as building, plumbing, sewing, painting and cooking, the project team would love help in these areas as well as on working directly with the turtles.

Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and on any number of environmental or wildlife projects and can expect to undertake the following tasks

preparing food for and feeding the turtles

cleaning and maintenance of the turtle tanks and enclosures

scrubbing algae off the turtle’s backs

providing enrichment for the turtles

transporting and releasing turtles

keeping the project grounds clean and tidy

turtle research and monitoring in their natural habitat and reef monitoring

marine habitat conservation projects such as beach clean-ups

providing assistance to rescue turtles in distress where required and emergency medical treatments where required

helping to promote humane and sustainable practices through co-operation and education initiatives, fundraising and administration

Typical day

A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:

6:30amBreakfast at the Hostel

7:30amMeet the program supervisor and fellow volunteers at the Ferry Terminal.

7:45amFerry ride to Fitzroy Island

8:30amVOLUNTEERING DUTIES START

Volunteers spend the morning caring for the turtles and undertaking related tasks.

12:00pmLunch on the island

1:00pmVolunteers can be involved with research projects or enjoy free time

3:30pmVOLUNTEERING DUTIES END

4:00pmBoard the ferry back to Cairns

EveningsVolunteers are free to relax, run errands, stay in touch with friends and family, socialise and explore Cairns

Details on Arrival

This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.

Arrival Day: SUNDAY 8am - 8pm

Departure Day: MONDAY

Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.

Free-time activities

A tropical holiday feel prevails on the streets of Cairns and visitors can't help but relax and enjoy the vibe. Strolling the streets is a social event with people enjoying the temperate climate and relaxing in the many bars, restaurants and cafes. Esplanade Lagoon offers the opportunity to swim and relax without leaving town.

Surrounded by stunning natural attractions - such as the famous Great Barrier Reef where this program is located, Daintree National Park and the stunning Northern beaches - Cairns is a magnet for eco and adventure travelers and is well equipped to cater to every visitors needs.

Water Sports

Swimming

Diving/Snorkling

Climbing

Hiking

Program Requirements

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date.
There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak
English
(basic level)

Required Documents

Emergency contact

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

This project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in animal conservation/zoological studies, or who simply wish to explore an interest in this field. However, the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by one of local project leaders. Importantly though, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help and show drive

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Included Services

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Volunteers arrive into Cairns International Airport from where a shuttle is booked to take them to their accommodation. Early Monday morning they meet with the program director and board the ferry out to Fitzroy Island. Volunteers receive an orientation and training on the Island.

Volunteers on this program stay in a popular hostel in central Cairns. Rooms are typically split by gender and cater for to 6 persons sharing. Modern bathroom facilities are attached to each room. The hostel has all the amenities you would expect (and a few you normally find in luxury accommodations) including a communal kitchen, onsite laundry, a swimming pool and free Wi-Fi. Perfect!

Food & Beverages

Breakfast is provided daily at the hostel and a free Sunday evening BBQ is arranged each week. Volunteers can prepare lunch and take it with them on the program or purchase lunch and snacks on Fitzroy Island. Dinner can be prepared in the hostel also or volunteers can take the opportunity to explore Cairns and eat out at one of the many restaurants, cafes and eateries in the town.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Cairns Airport (CNS) in Cairns. We assist you to find cheap flights to Australia.

You can volunteer at the project site in
Cairns City/Australia
between
1
week
and
12
weeks.
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated and subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
Love Volunteers
will let you know about the final price during your application process.

Crowdfunding Service

Generally, volunteering abroad involves certain costs. In case you need financial support, we will assist you to fundraise your volunteer program in Australia.

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider.
If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment (85%)

Your final payment will be agreed with Love Volunteers during the application process.
Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

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